DecodedGuides

How to store corn on the cob

Best place: the fridge. USDA gives corn on the cob a fridge time (1 to 2 days, from the package date) and no pantry time, so it belongs in the fridge as soon as you get home. The freezer gives 8 months.

Pantry

No guideline

Fridge

1 to 2 days

from the package date

Freezer

8 months

best quality within

How to tell corn on the cob has gone bad

General signs for produce: fresh vegetables, the group USDA lists corn on the cob under.

  • Slimy, wet leaves on greens that were crisp before
  • Soft or mushy spots on vegetables that were firm
  • Sprouting or wrinkled skin on potatoes and onions
  • Mould, often white or fuzzy, near the stem or cut end
  • Sour or off smell replacing a vegetable's usual earthy scent

More on produce: fresh vegetables. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.

Storage habits that make the difference

Store leafy greens loosely wrapped in the crisper drawer, ideally with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture. Keep potatoes, onions and garlic in a cool, dark, dry place outside the fridge, and store potatoes away from onions since they spoil each other faster. Trim and wash vegetables just before cooking.

How to store other produce: fresh vegetables

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.